High Court upholds gazette barring fishing in Bay of Bengal for 65 days

High Court has upheld a gazette restricting fishing at Bangladesh’s economic zone in the Bay of Bengal for 65 days starting from May 20.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 15 May 2017, 01:12 PM
Updated : 15 May 2017, 01:12 PM

Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock issued the gazette in May 2015 to ensure smooth breeding of fish in the zone. The ministry notification bars netting sea fishes and prawns between May 20 and Jul 23 every year.

Bangladesh Marine Fisheries Association president filed a writ petition with the High Court later that year challenging the gazette.

Hearing the petition, High Court issued a rule suspending the gazette.

On Monday, the court scrapped the rule and restored the gazette, said Deputy Attorney General Md Mokhlesur Rahman who represented the State during the hearing.

A bench of Justice Naima Haider and Justice Abu Taher Md Saifur Rahman scrapped the rule.

“Fishing is put off for two to three months during the breeding season of fishes in sea. Many countries including neighbouring India follow the rule,” said the deputy attorney general.